NBC's series takes place in 1715 on the Bahamian island of New Providence, the first functioning democracy in the Americas, where the pirate Edward Teach -- aka Blackbeard -- reigns over a rogue nation of thieves, outlaws and miscreant sailors. Part shantytown, part marauder's paradise, the island is unlike any other and presents a mounting threat to international commerce. To combat the threat, skilled undercover assassin Tom Lowe is sent to take down Blackbeard, but the closer he gets, the more enthralled with the community he becomes.

The casting marks Laurie's return to primetime after his eight-season run as moody doc Gregory House on Fox's House -- which, like Crossbones, also hailed from Universal Television. The role earned him those six Emmy noms as well as two Golden Globe wins and two SAG Awards.

Laurie was attached to star in MGM and Columbia Pictures' Robocop remake but dropped out in late August.